While both Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are disability benefit programs offered by the government, they have certain types of eligibility criteria that differ from one another.
In this blog, we will help you gain a deeper understanding of these two disability benefits and share with you their key similarities and differences.
What is SSDI?
SSDI is a disability benefit that is tied to your work history. If you are considering applying for SSDI, you must have:
- A disability that makes you incapable of working for at least a year
- A certain amount of “work credits” or tax contribution from the years that you worked
However, if you are applying for SSDI as a blind person, you do not need to include a recent employment history. Alternatively, if your condition is terminal, you may also qualify for SSDI.
Keep in mind that the amount of work credit you need will depend on your age from when your disability begins. For example, if you developed a disability before you turned 28 years old, you will only need one and a half years of work credits to proceed with your application.
What is SSI?
SSI is a “needs-based” disability benefit that caters for eligible blind people, disabled people and seniors aged 65 and above who live under low-income households.
For example, if you have a disability that lets you to perform a substantial gainful activity (SGA), you must have a monthly earning limit of $1,690. If you earn higher than the given 2026 SGA amount, you cannot apply for SSI.
Aside from this rule, you must also live in a household with little to no resources. The eligibility limit for “countable resources” differs for single ($2,000) and married couples ($3,000).
Asking for help is not a sign of weakness
Trying to check each benefit’s eligibility criteria can feel overwhelming. However, you are not alone on this journey. If you have doubts or need help with your application, seek support from your family, friends and the disability advocate organizations in Indiana.